The European Commission is developing a simplified plan for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, which предусматриes the introduction of a two-tier membership model. Such an approach could significantly speed up Kyiv’s accession, but has already raised concerns in a number of European capitals about possible consequences for the entire Union, the Financial Times reports.
Source: PRYAMYI
In Brussels, proposals are being prepared to revise the EU enlargement system that has been in place since the Cold War. A model is being discussed that would allow candidate countries to integrate into the Union more quickly, in particular by gaining access to certain sectors of the single market, agricultural subsidies, and internal development funds after completing defined stages.
Ukraine received EU candidate status shortly after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Kyiv views membership in the European Union as a key component of its post-war future and confirmation of its strategic pro-Western course.
Ukraine’s accession is already mentioned in a 20-point peace plan involving the United States, which includes a target date of 2027. At the same time, the EU acknowledges that it may take Ukraine up to ten years of reforms to fully meet the accession criteria.
In Brussels, it is emphasized that current challenges require more flexible approaches to enlargement. At the same time, a number of diplomats express concern that a simplified model could undermine the stability of the EU and cause dissatisfaction among other candidate countries.
An additional factor remains the position of Hungary, which is blocking unanimous approval for the opening and closing of negotiating chapters. The EU and Ukraine hope that progress on the US-involved peace plan could change Budapest’s position.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine’s accession to the EU is a key security guarantee and an important factor for economic growth. At the same time, diplomats warn that a two-tier membership system could have unpredictable political and strategic consequences both for the Union itself and for its partners.